Battle to honour
Ted Hughes takes
a leap forward

The Labour council leader, Ros Jones, narrowly ousted her former incumbent Peter Davies, who stood for re-election as an independent, in May. During his term, Mr Davies expressed his support of the idea which was mooted by a committee of Mr Hughes’s supporters, led by the late poet’s friend Jack Brown, 76, in October last year.

Until now, Mayor Jones has not commented on whether the plans would still be supported by the cash-strapped local authority, failing to respond to a letter penned by Mr Brown following her election.

The mayor offered her backing in a statement.

She said: “Doncaster Council is continuing to support the creation of a Ted Hughes statue and tourist trail in Mexborough. Although we cannot contribute financially to the project we will administer the fund. Once arrangements are formally in place fundraising can begin.”